Adopción de auditoría externa y rentabilidad de las empresas y sociedades por acción simplificadas, sector A, subsector A01-13 en el Ecuador, periodo 2020-2023

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzed the relationship between the adoption of external audits and the profitability of companies and simplified joint-stock companies (SAS) in sector A, subsector A01-13, in Ecuador during the period 2020 2023. A non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used, with a descriptive approach and data from the Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance. The population consisted of 45 companies, reduced to a sample of 35 after the removal of incomplete data. Profitability was estimated using the financial indicators ROA, ROE, and ROS, and the results were compared with the presence or absence of external audits and the type of opinions issued in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Data processing using descriptive statistics was performed using Microsoft Excel. The findings show that external audits make financial information and corporate control more reliable. However, this does not always lead to improved profitability. However, their contribution is key to transparency, managerial decision-making, and credibility with investors and various regulatory bodies.